Chuchito ValdésBorn and raised in Havana, he was weaned on a wide range of musical traditions, including European classical, Cuban dance music and American jazz.

Like his father, he is not a minimalist, preferring instead to explore the full orchestral timbres of his instrument.

Don Heckman / Los Angeles Times

STEVE FRUMKIN

Phone: 330-405-9075 (Office/cell)SkE-mail: steve@jwpagency.comWeb: www.jwpagency.com

JWP Agency Jim Wadsworth Productions

Steve Frumkin330-405-9075

steve@jwpagency.com

www.jwpagency.com

Chuchito Valdés, following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, continues the legacy of great piano players form Cuba. With influences of Caribbean rhythms and jazz, Chuchito creates an exciting and energetic blend of spicy music that drives audiences wild. This piano master captivates with his sensitivity and drives excitement with his dynamic band.

Chuchito has recorded and performed piano with the world renown Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for several years. He has also performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba and the Caribbean to North America, South America, and Europe.

Chuchito is recognized as a master of Cuban music including Son, Danzon, Cuban Timba and Guaguanco. He has also extensively studied classical music including harmony and composition. His original compositions and arrangements draw on classical harmonic and structural echniques. In his performances, Chuchito’s music draws on many styles including Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz, Bebop, Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son Montuno and much more.

Chuchito Valdés currently resides in Cancun, Mexico and is a frequent performer in the United State, Canada and Europe._____________________________________________________Significant AwardsHerencia (J &N Records 2004) – Nominated for a Latin Grammy“Keys of Latin Jazz” (Sony 2007) - Nominated for a Latin Grammy

Quotes “Chuchito can raise a mountain of rhythmic intensity with a driving montuno, create flutelike filigrees in his fluttering right hand figures, or stagger flashing cords at breakneck speed to build a kaleidoscopic improvisation.”

Neil Tesser / Playboy Guide to Jazz

Valdes was an irrepressible master of the revels, finding it hard to stay seated and making unaffected transitions into a dance captain and a chant leader when the mood struck him.

Jay Harvey / Indianapolis Star

With a nickname like “Chuchito,” there’s not much doubt about the lineage of pianist Jesus Valdés Jr. He is the son of the much-honored Cuban pianist Jesus “Chucho” Valdés and the grandson of equally praised pianist Bebo Valdés. And his playing clearly displayed the significance of that extraordinary musical pedigree.

Don Heckman / Los Angeles Times

But Valdes showed a preference for pouring on the power, of which he had plenty to spare. Keyboard-spanning glissandos were whipped up on a moment’s notice, and heavy chording unfurled from his powerful right hand in crushing sequences.

Jay Harvey / Indianapolis Star_____________________________________________________Sample DiscocraphyDinastia Vales (Sony 2010)“Keys of Latin Jazz” (Sony 2007) - Nominated for a Latin Grammy_____________________________________________________Group Sizes and Instrumentation Solo: pianoTrio: piano, bass, drumsQuartet: piano, bass, drums, congasQuintet: piano, bass, drums, congas, horn_____________________________________________________PR Materials, Music Downloads & Videos www.jwpjazz.com/valdes

Chuchito Valdés